Featured Athletes

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Professional athletes inspire us with their record breaking performances, but it’s the everyday triathlete, cyclist, swimmer, and runner who impress us with some of the most memorable results. TriBella highlights different female customers who exemplify the beauty of sport. Thanks for the inspiration ladies!

“Start by doing what is necessary, then what is possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible.”

–St. Francis of Assisi

Cindy Baldwin

I grew up in the South at a time when women were not encouraged to
participate in sports. After moving to Colorado, I did a little climbing
and hiking but had to put that on hold when I was diagnosed with
non-Hodgkins lymphoma. My year long treatment included chemotherapy and
radiation, followed by another year of getting my energy back.

Because of the lymphoma treatment, I knew I was at a higher risk for
secondary cancers, especially breast cancer, so it was no great
surprise, when ten years later I was diagnosed with early stage breast
cancer. As a result of my previous treatment, my options were limited; I
chose a bilateral mastectomy with an immediate TRAM flap reconstruction
even though I knew it might limit me in some activities.

Several weeks into treatment, a good friend who was also recently
diagnosed with breast cancer, asked if I wanted to do the Danskin with
her. When I realized it was a triathlon, I questioned whether it was
possible or even a good idea. After all, we were both still in
treatment. Nonetheless, I started preparing by taking slow walks around
the block, progressing to run/walks that eventually totaled a mile. I
pulled out an old mountain bike and started riding a little. My white
blood cell count was too low to swim so I just hoped for the best with
the swim. My friend and I had lots of encouragement, support, and help
with training from many of our friends. When August came along, we were
as ready as possible. When I think about my friends cheering me on at
certain locations on the bike and run and at the transitions, and
getting their hugs and congratulations at the finish line, it brings
tears to my eyes.

That first triathlon gave me a goal during my darkest days that
winter. It gave me some sense of control over what I was going through.
It made me feel stronger like I was doing something to improve my odds.
Now we know for a fact that exercise and the right diet reduce the risk
of recurrence in breast cancer. So for me, triathlons are an important
part of my life now as they are connected to staying healthy. Now I have
new goals. I am determined to increase my strength and speed and to do
longer races. My goal is a half Ironman and a half marathon, something I
never thought I would do. My first triathlon was a turning point in my
life. Not only did it help me in my recovery, it also helped me find my
love of multisport and changed my sense of who I am.